Plan your Vietnam visa with our guide to invitation letter requirements for international travelers! Learn about sponsorship, application processes, cultural tips, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistryWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International travelers requiring an invitation letter must apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy with a sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese entity or obtain an e-visa for tourism (no invitation letter required). This guide details invitation letter requirements, visa application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding visa invitation letter requirements ensures smooth entry for travelers needing sponsorship for work, study, or business visas, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. An invitation letter from a Vietnamese entity (e.g., company, university, or individual) is typically required for non-tourist visas, facilitating approval for extended stays vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights on invitation letters, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends invitation letter requirements, visa application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers requiring an invitation letter (e.g., for work, study, or business visas) must obtain a sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese entity. Embassy visas with invitation letters cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), while tourist e-visas (no invitation required) cost $25–$50. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by sponsors or hotels. Verify invitation letter and visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2):
Purpose: Employment in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Sponsored by a Vietnamese company or organization for work permits vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years (single entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for embassy visa; sponsor may cover additional fees travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter Requirements: Letter from employer detailing traveler’s name, passport number, purpose, duration, and sponsor details (company name, address, tax code); work permit approval from Vietnam’s Department of Labor (DOLISA) required vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Apply at Vietnamese embassy with sponsorship letter, work permit, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable up to 2 years with sponsor; fees apply ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Study Visa (DH):
Purpose: Education or research in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Sponsored by a Vietnamese university or educational institution vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year (single entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for embassy visa; sponsor may cover additional fees travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter Requirements: Letter from university detailing traveler’s name, passport number, purpose, duration, and sponsor details (university name, address); official acceptance letter required vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Apply at Vietnamese embassy with sponsorship letter, acceptance letter, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable up to 1 year with sponsor; fees apply ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa (DN1/DN2):
Purpose: Business meetings or short-term work.
Eligibility: Sponsored by a Vietnamese company for business invitations vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter Requirements: Letter from company detailing traveler’s name, passport number, purpose, duration, and sponsor details (company name, address, tax code) vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Apply at Vietnamese embassy with sponsorship letter, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable up to 1 year with sponsor; fees apply ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Tourist E-Visa (No Invitation Letter Required):
Purpose: Tourism for stays up to 90 days.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry point), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the entry point; ensure details match exactly to avoid issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Invitation letters must be issued by a registered Vietnamese entity (company, university, or individual with legal status) vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, handled by sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Invitation letters are required for work, study, or business visas; tourist e-visas do not require invitation letters vietnam-visa.com.
Content: Must include sponsor details (name, address, contact, tax code if applicable), traveler details (name, passport number), purpose (work, study, business), duration, and invitation to Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Issuer: Registered Vietnamese company, university, or individual (for family visits, e.g., Vietnamese spouse) vietnam-visa.com.
Supporting Documents: Work visas require DOLISA work permit approval; study visas require university acceptance letter; business visas require company invitation vietnam-visa.com.
Submission: Submit with visa application at Vietnamese embassy; digital copies may be requested travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth invitation letter visa process and travel experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to embassy staff, sponsors, or locals; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at cultural sites culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor during visa interviews or sponsor meetings; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry invitation letter and passport securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our invitation letter visa process.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by sponsors or hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to sponsors or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep invitation letter handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen travelers with invitation letter visas thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in sponsor offices and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow embassy and sponsor rules; respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed invitation letter or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your invitation letter visa journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining an invitation letter visa; suitable for sponsored travelers; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Ensure invitation letter and work/study/business approval; carry printed documents or passport photocopy; register temporary residence with sponsor or hotel evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm invitation letter approval; check evisa.gov.vn for entry points; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with an invitation letter visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for sponsored travelers; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure invitation letter and residence registration; carry printed documents or passport photocopy; guides assist with sponsor-related logistics travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured invitation letter compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour for sponsored travelers; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry invitation letter visa for multi-city travel; carry printed documents or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility with sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from India noted: “The combo tour was invitation letter-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for sponsored travelers; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry invitation letter visa for multi-city travel; carry printed documents or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration with sponsor travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was an invitation letter-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for sponsored travelers with work/study/business visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for invitation letter-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with invitation letter-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key invitation letter visa travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for invitation letter visa holders focusing on cultural and business travel. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor experiences like sponsor meetings; expect rain but fewer crowds. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Invitation Letter Needs: Required for work (LD1/LD2), study (DH), or business (DN1/DN2) visas; obtain from a registered Vietnamese entity (company, university, or individual) vietnam-visa.com.
Invitation Letter Tips: Ensure letter includes sponsor details, traveler details, purpose, and duration; for work visas, secure DOLISA work permit approval; for study visas, get university acceptance; for business visas, obtain company invitation; carry printed letter and passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry invitation letter, work/study/business approval, and passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm sponsors or hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital invitation letter copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Obtain invitation letter 4–6 weeks before travel; apply for embassy visas 2–4 weeks in advance; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status with sponsor vietnam-visa.com. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed invitation letter, work/study/business approval, printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Invitation Letter Costs
Embassy Visa with Invitation Letter: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type (work, study, business) and processing time; sponsor may cover additional fees travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Costs (Tourist, No Invitation Letter): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, invitation letter visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; invitation letter costs often covered by sponsors.
Invitation Letter Tips: Obtain a detailed invitation letter from a registered Vietnamese entity (company, university, or individual); for work visas, secure DOLISA work permit approval; for study visas, get university acceptance; for business visas, obtain company invitation; carry printed letter and passport photocopy vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for tourist e-visas (no invitation letter) or apply for embassy visas with invitation letter; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect sponsor and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for invitation letter-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Invitation letter processing takes 1–2 weeks; embassy visa applications take 2–4 weeks; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who needs an invitation letter for a Vietnam visa? Work (LD1/LD2), study (DH), or business (DN1/DN2) visas require an invitation letter from a Vietnamese entity vietnam-visa.com.
What is required for an invitation letter? Details on sponsor (name, address, contact, tax code), traveler, purpose, duration, and invitation; supporting documents (e.g., work permit, university acceptance) vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a visa with an invitation letter? Submit letter with application at Vietnamese embassy; processing 2–4 weeks travel.state.gov.
Can invitation letter visas be extended? Yes, up to 2 years for work or 1 year for study/business with sponsor; fees apply ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is an invitation letter needed for tourist visas? No, use e-visas or exemptions; invitation letters are for work/study/business vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your invitation letter visa Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Invitation Letter with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and sponsorship-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for sponsored travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, obtain an invitation letter from a Vietnamese entity 4–6 weeks in advance, apply for embassy visas early, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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